Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa (died approx. 1925) was a member of the Thembu tribe of South Africa, and the chief of Mvero, a tiny village on the banks of the Mbashe River. He was the father of anti-apartheid activist and South African president Nelson Mandela.
As chief, Mphakanyiswa presided in an official capacity at marraiges, funerals, and initiations. Though he had no formal education and could not read or write, he was described by Mandela as having a keen sense and appreciation for history.
He had four wives and thirteen children: four sons and nine daughters.
His father, GadlaHenryMphakanyiswa (1880-1928), was nonetheless designated chief of the village of Mvezo.
Gadla remained, however, a member of the Inkosi's Privy Council, and was instrumental in the ascension to the Thembu throne of Jongintaba Dalindyebo, who would later return this favour by informally adopting Mandela upon Gadla's death.
Mandela was born to Gadla's third wife ('third' by a complex royal ranking system), Nosekeni Fanny, daughter of Nkedama of the Mpemvu Xhosa clan, in whose umzi or homestead Mandela spent much of his childhood.
Mandela was born to a Thembu family in the small village of Qunu in the Mthatha district, capital of the Transkeian Territories of the Cape Province of the Union of South Africa.
Mandela's father, GadlaHenryMphakanyiswa, was a member for the royal council of the Thembu people, a position for which he was groomed from birth and which Mandela was also destined to inherit.
Mandela was born to Gadla's third wife ('third' by a complex royal ranking system), Nosekeni Fanny in whose umzi or homestead Mandela spent much of his childhood.
Feeds |
Contact